Sweet potato roll recipe with 1 cup mashed sweet potato, ½ cup warm milk, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, about 4 cups flour, active yeast, and 2 tbsp honey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potato | 1 cup, mashed | Cooked and pureed for moisture and natural sweetness |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Can substitute part with bread flour for extra chewiness |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) | Ensure yeast is fresh for proper rising |
| Milk | ½ cup, warm | Use whole or plant-based milk |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup, softened | Adds richness; can use vegan butter |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp | Enhances yeast activity and sweetness |
| Egg | 1 large | Helps with structure and tenderness |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Balances flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potato
Peel, boil, and mash one medium sweet potato until smooth. Let it cool slightly before using in the dough.
2. Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, ensuring active yeast for a perfect rise.
3. Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, flour, egg, butter, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic, either by hand or with a stand mixer.
4. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape and Bake
Divide dough into rolls, let rise again, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Brush with butter while warm.
Tips for Sweet Potato Roll Recipe
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Always use fresh yeast and warm (not hot) milk to ensure the dough rises properly.
- Proper Kneading: Knead dough until smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can make rolls dense, while under-kneading affects structure.
- Sweet Potato Texture: Use well-mashed, slightly cooled sweet potato puree to maintain moisture and softness.
- Optimal Proofing: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- Shaping Rolls: Handle gently when dividing and shaping to retain air pockets for a pillowy texture.
- Baking Tip: Brush warm rolls with butter immediately after baking for added flavor and softness.
Storage & Reheating Sweet Potato Roll Recipe
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2–3 days | Store in an airtight container or zip-lock bag to retain softness |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Wrap in foil or container; reheat in oven at 325°F for 5–7 mins |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freeze individually or in batches; thaw at room temp or overnight in fridge |
| Reheating | – | Warm rolls in oven or microwave, optionally brushing with butter for extra softness |
Pro Tip: Avoid leaving rolls uncovered to prevent them from drying out. Proper storage keeps them fluffy and fresh.
Serving of Sweet Potato Roll Recipe
- Holiday Meals: Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or glazed chicken for festive dinners.
- Soups and Stews: Perfect for dipping into creamy soups, chili, or hearty stews.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Spread with honey butter, jam, or cream cheese for a soft, flavorful start.
- Family Dinners: Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for everyday meals.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Bake ahead and reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain softness.
- Freezing Option: Wrap cooled rolls tightly and freeze; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations of Sweet Potato Roll Recipe
| Variation | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemary Sweet Potato Rolls | Infuse dough with 1–2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary | Brush with melted butter for a savory touch |
| Purple Sweet Potato Rolls | Replace orange sweet potato with purple for a colorful twist | Works well for festive tables |
| Honey Butter Rolls | Drizzle warm rolls with honey butter after baking | Adds sweetness and shine |
| Cinnamon Sweet Potato Rolls | Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the dough | Perfect for breakfast or brunch |
| Gluten-Free Option | Use a gluten-free flour blend | May require slightly more moisture for soft texture |
| Vegan Rolls | Replace milk and butter with plant-based alternatives | Dough remains soft and fluffy |
FAQs of Sweet Potato Roll Recipe
Q1: Why aren’t my rolls fluffy?
A1: Dense rolls usually result from under-proofing, over-kneading, or inactive yeast. Ensure the dough rises until doubled and handle gently when shaping.
Q2: Can I make these rolls ahead?
A2: Yes. Shape and freeze rolls before baking or store baked rolls in an airtight container. Reheat gently to maintain softness.
Q3: What type of sweet potato works best?
A3: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and moisture. Purple sweet potatoes can be used for color variations.
Q4: Can I make them vegan or gluten-free?
A4: Substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use gluten-free flour blends. Dough may need slightly more moisture.
